JRE #1798 – Michael Shellenberger

30-Mar-22

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6kc8Usp2Iv8gGrheicdpOM

This podcast dives deep into the complex and often controversial topics surrounding progressive policies, homelessness, drug addiction, and the environmental movement. Michael Shellenberger, a self-described “recovering progressive,” offers a scathing critique of the current state of affairs in San Francisco and Los Angeles, while also advocating for practical solutions. The podcast explores themes of ideological blind spots, the dangers of fear-mongering, and the need for a more realistic and nuanced approach to tackling complex societal issues.

Major Topics and 4-Point Summaries:

1. The “San Fransicko” Phenomenon:

• Shellenberger uses the term “San Fransicko” to highlight the negative consequences of extreme progressive policies on urban environments.
• He argues that policies like “radical compassion” and “radical hospitality” have led to a rise in homelessness, drug addiction, and crime, creating a “compassion sickness” in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
• He specifically criticizes the establishment of supervised drug use sites, where people are allowed to use fentanyl and meth under city supervision, arguing that such sites are enabling addiction rather than offering a path to recovery.
• Shellenberger contends that the focus on “radical compassion” has blinded progressives to the unintended negative consequences of their policies, leading to a breakdown of public safety and social order.

2. The Role of Addiction and Mental Illness:

• Shellenberger emphasizes that drug addiction, particularly fentanyl and meth, is a major driver of homelessness and crime in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
• He challenges the narrative that homelessness is solely due to a lack of affordable housing, arguing that addiction and mental illness are often the root causes.
• Shellenberger highlights the ease with which people can exist in these cities with severe addiction and mental health issues, making them attractive destinations for those seeking to service their addictions.
• He exposes the myth that most homeless people are local residents who have fallen on hard times, presenting evidence that many come from other states specifically to access resources and less stringent drug enforcement.

3. The Failure of Mainstream Media:

• Shellenberger criticizes the New York Times and other mainstream media outlets for their increasingly partisan and activist approach to journalism.
• He argues that the focus on clicks and sensationalism has led to a decline in objective reporting and a rise in hit pieces and one-sided narratives.
• Shellenberger laments the loss of trust in institutions like The New York Times, which were once seen as reliable sources of factual information, and he points to the rise of alternative media platforms like Substack as a sign of this changing landscape.
• He also highlights the hypocrisy of some media outlets, citing examples of them attacking individuals for views that were previously presented by the same publications.

4. The Importance of Mental and Physical Health:

• Shellenberger emphasizes the importance of physical activity, particularly hard exercise and cardio, in combating anxiety and depression, which he sees as contributing to social problems.
• He criticizes the coddling culture prevalent in society, where people are encouraged to avoid taking responsibility for their own health and well-being.
• Shellenberger argues that the lack of emphasis on physical education in schools and the rise of sedentary lifestyles are contributing to the mental health crisis.
• He believes that a renewed focus on physical and mental health, alongside a more realistic approach to problem-solving, is essential for creating a more resilient and functional society.

5. The Nuclear Power Debate:

• Shellenberger argues that nuclear power is a clean and reliable source of energy and is essential for tackling climate change.
• He criticizes the anti-nuclear movement, which he sees as driven by irrational fears and a distorted understanding of the risks and benefits of nuclear technology.
• He points to the decline in nuclear accidents as technology has improved and the overblown response to events like Fukushima as evidence of the irrational fear surrounding nuclear power.
• Shellenberger advocates for a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to the nuclear power debate, emphasizing the need to consider the long-term consequences of relying on other energy sources.

6. The Fracking Debate:

• Shellenberger argues that fracking has been a major contributor to the decline in US carbon emissions, replacing coal with natural gas as a primary source of electricity.
• He challenges the common perception that fracking is inherently dangerous, pointing to the decline in methane leaks and the effectiveness of regulations in mitigating environmental risks.
• Shellenberger criticizes the misinformation presented in documentaries like “Gasland,” highlighting specific instances of misrepresentation and inaccuracies.
• He advocates for a more balanced and evidence-based approach to the fracking debate, emphasizing the need to weigh the environmental benefits against the risks.

7. California’s Homelessness Crisis:

• Shellenberger views California’s homelessness crisis as a direct result of failed policies and the “coddling” of addicts and the mentally ill.
• He argues that the focus on housing first and providing free housing to homeless individuals without requiring anything in return has exacerbated the problem.
• He believes that a more effective approach would involve requiring homeless individuals to stay in shelters and providing them with the necessary resources for addiction treatment and mental health care.
• Shellenberger proposes a statewide system for addiction and mental health care, called “Calpsych,” which would require individuals to take responsibility for their recovery and provide them with a pathway to reintegration into society.

8. The Need for Police Reform and Funding:

• Shellenberger argues that defunding the police is a dangerous and misguided policy that has led to an increase in crime and a decline in public safety.
• He believes that police reform is necessary, but that it should focus on better training, accountability, and community policing rather than defunding.
• Shellenberger emphasizes the importance of respecting police officers, who he sees as performing a difficult and dangerous job.
• He advocates for a more comprehensive approach to public safety that includes both law enforcement and social services, recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues.

9. The Woke Ideology and Its Impact:

• Shellenberger views the “woke” ideology as a dangerous and destructive force that has taken over institutions like the university system and the media.
• He criticizes the emphasis on identity politics and the demonization of anyone who doesn’t subscribe to the woke worldview.
• Shellenberger argues that the woke ideology is often driven by a search for meaning and purpose in a world where traditional religious values are declining.
• He believes that the woke ideology is ultimately harmful to society, as it hinders rational discourse, promotes division, and undermines the pursuit of shared goals.

10. The Future of California:

• Shellenberger’s candidacy for governor of California is based on his belief that the state is in a state of crisis and needs a fundamental shift in approach.
• He argues that the current governor, Gavin Newsom, is too focused on national politics and lacks the vision and leadership necessary to address California’s challenges.
• Shellenberger believes that his “Calpsych” plan, combined with his focus on public safety, education reform, and energy independence, can revitalize California and restore its status as a beacon of innovation and opportunity.
• He is optimistic about the possibility of creating a more balanced and functional society in California, emphasizing the need for a more realistic and pragmatic approach to governing.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Pathological altruism” – This term captures Shellenberger’s view that excessive compassion can lead to negative consequences.
• “It’s not civilized. It’s barbarism and depravity.” – Shellenberger’s stark description of the conditions in Skid Row, Los Angeles.
• “The best way to really get the truth out there if you are if you wanna be a journalist, a real journalist, you can’t do both. You can’t put, like, these political one-sided spins on things, and then have people trust you across the board about all the complexity that’s involved.” – Shellenberger’s critique of the decline of objective journalism.
• “At a time, by the way, when we needed a lot more of them, you know, at a time when the idea that you could power the world on renewables has come, you know, crashing to a an end in in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” – Shellenberger’s argument for the continued reliance on fossil fuels.
• “You can’t have true freedom. You can’t care for people without first taking responsibility.” – Shellenberger’s compelling statement about the relationship between freedom and responsibility.